What do you want to know?
Contraception
Sexual health can provide a range of free contraceptive options including condoms. The young people’s service provides contraception for young people age 17 and under. GP surgeries and pharmacies can provide some contraceptive options.
Find out what your local pharmacy can provide:
Find out about contraception and it’s effectiveness:
Emergency Contraception
Emergency contraception can stop you getting pregnant after unprotected sex (sex without contraception or when contraception might have failed).
Emergency contraception | NHS inform.
You can get FREE emergency contraception, or the “morning after pill” from the majority of community pharmacies in Ayrshire & Arran. The service is available to patients aged 13 years and over. The most effective emergency contraception is the coil page. Call 01294 323226 for assessment.
Sex and Your Rights
Everyone has the right to sex and relationships that are safe, consensual, and free from physical violence, verbal threats, humiliation or intimidation.
Fake News
There is so much information online, sometimes it can get overwhelming knowing what or who to believe.
Some online content is designed to sell you something or to make money, and isn’t thinking about what is right for you. Always use trusted sites (NHS Inform, Shayr, College of Reproductive Health, Terrence Higgins Trust) for information on your health. Remember, it’s your decision and the best way to decide is to be well-informed.
Read more here;
Curious about period trackers and fertility apps?
‘Choking is safe‘- There is no safe way to be choked.
Positive Pregnancy Test
Some pharmacies in Ayrshire & Arran offer FREE pregnancy tests for young people on request.
If you choose to buy a pregnancy test, you will not be required to give any personal details. The cost of pregnancy tests can vary widely. There are lots of reliable pregnancy tests that are readily available that do not cost a lot.
If your pregnancy test is positive and you want to speak to someone phone 01563 827025.
Young People Clinics
After-school appointments and drop-in information:
Chat to us. You can chat to a sexual health nurse on the online chat to make an appointment. This service is available 4pm – 6pm Monday – Thursday and is available to those age 17 and under.
Abortion
Unplanned pregnancy is very common. If you live in Ayrshire and Arran, have had a positive pregnancy test and are unsure if you wish to continue with the pregnancy, you can discuss it with us.
Free STI Testing
NHS Ayrshire & Arran offers free routine STI testing. This can be accessed either by booking an appointment or by ordering an at home testing kit. We also recommend everyone get a test for HIV and syphilis. If you have any questions chat to a sexual health nurse on the online chat to make an appointment. The online chat is available 4pm – 6pm Monday – Thursday and is available to those age 17 and under.
This service is available if you have no symptoms:
If you are currently experiencing symptoms of an STI (anything different or unusual for you) – please contact your GP, or the Sexual Health department on 01294 323226 to book an appointment.
Sexual Assault and Abuse
If you have been raped or sexual assaulted, you can get help and support from the NHS Scotland sexual assault response co-ordination service (SARCS). It is important to be seen. When you come to your appointment you are in control. You do not need to go through with the examination procedure if you don’t feel comfortable. (SARCS)
If you think you need emergency contraception, click here: Emergency contraception
Choking in Sex
Choking (also known as non-fatal strangulation) has become more common within many people’s sexual relationships. There is no safe way to be strangled. It is a criminal offence to cause harm through strangulation. Read more;
Information for Parents
‘The Chat’ is a resource for parents and carers for around conversations with children and young people about relationships and sexual health.
We encourage parents to support young people attending the clinic, but for confidentiality reasons the young person will be seen on her/ his own.
Online Chat
Our online chat service is a confidential way for young people aged 17 and under to contact the sexual health team. You can talk to a member of staff online without needing to phone or visit a clinic.
Who can use the chat?
The service is available for young people aged 17 and under who live in Ayrshire and Arran.
When is the online chat available?
The online chat service is available:
Monday to Thursday
4:00pm – 6:00pm
If the service is unavailable, you can still find information on the website.
What can I use the online chat service for?
You can use the chat service to:
- Book an appointment
- Check, change or cancel an existing appointment
- Find out where sexual health services are available
- Get signposted to trusted sexual health information
- Ask general questions about our services
Can I get medical advice through the chat service?
The online chat service is primarily for appointment support, service information and signposting. Staff can direct you to the most appropriate information or service, but the chat is not a replacement for a clinical appointment or urgent medical advice.
Is the online chat service confidential?
Yes. Conversations are treated confidentially in line with NHS policies. However, if we are concerned about your safety or the safety of someone else, we may need to share information with appropriate services.
What should I do if I need urgent help?
The online chat service is not an emergency service. If you need urgent medical help, contact your GP, NHS 24 on 111, or attend your nearest emergency department.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
Can my parent, carer or friend use the chat on my behalf?
No, the chat is for young people to use themselves. To be able to help you we need to speak to you directly
